Windows
PRIMEQUEST supports two versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition for Itanium-Based Systems
- Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Datacenter Edition for Itanium-Based Systems
PRIMEQUEST with Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-Based Systems provides high performance (A massive accessible memory area and improved CPU performance) with high reliability (enhanced RAS functionality). This is essential for Enterprise Systems and the building of mission critical environments.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Dependable | Windows Server 2003 is the fastest, most reliable and secure Windows server operating system ever offered by Microsoft. In particular the 64-bit system has achieved mission-critical level's of RAS functionality, and is the first Windows Server OS to focus on such high levels of system security. |
| Productive | Windows Server 2003 provides the tools to simplify deployment, management and administration, while maximizing productivity. The 64bit system is not only highly tuned for 64-bit applications, it can run the many 32-bit applications on the same system. The result is excellent investment protection and productivity. |
| Connected | Windows Server 2003 provides an extensible application platform that allows fast solution building to keep employees, partners, systems, and customers connected. |
| Best Economics | When combined with products and services from Microsoft's many hardware, software, and channel partners, Windows Server 2003 provides the range of choice that help you achieve the greatest return on your infrastructure investments. |
Function Overview
The basic functions of Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-Based Systems are similar to those of Windows Server 2003 (32bit). The only differences are described below: Note: In the following, Windows Server 2003 refers to the 64-bit version of Windows Server 2003
- Functions only supported by Windows Server 2003 for Itanium-Based Systems
GUID Partition Table (GPT)
Windows Server 2003 uses a different disk-partitioning scheme. 32-bit systems use a partition style known as MBR (Master Boot Record). IA-64 introduces a new partitioning method called GUID Partition Table (GPT). This improves scalability. GPT supports volumes up to 18 Exa-Bytes in size.
(Note) GUID: Global Unique Identifier - Differences in Systems Architecture
Windows Server 2003 has differences in system architecture when compared to Windows Server 2003 (32bit).
With the 64-bit version it is possible to:
- use larger data structures in memory
- use larger virtual memory: 16TB address space (8TB for user, 8TB system reserved)
- handle larger system files and data files
- optimize system level performance
- support PRIMEQUEST's Machine Check Architecture (MCA), hardware high reliability functionality
Global Alliance
Fujitsu and Microsoft signed a Global Partnership agreement to collabolate on the development of open mission critical systems.
Currently, Fujitsu and Microsoft are collaborating on the development of PRIMEQUEST and services and mission-critical customer support for Windows Server 2003. Both companies also commit to collabolate on the next-generation Windows Server (code-named "Longhorn").
This aggreement and joint cooperation work ensures that mission-critical level high reliability and high availability Windows
platforms will be provided on PRIMEQUEST For reference:
Fujitsu and Microsoft to Deliver Mainframe-Class Capability on Open-Standard IT Platforms for Mission-Critical Environments
